March 19th, 2026

Jackie Frost writes:



Where is Chyngton Field?
The field shown in the foreground of the image above is located at the bottom of the ancient bridleway leading up to South Hill Barn in Seaford. From there you can obtain the iconic view of the Seven Sisters cliffs. It forms part of the gateway to the South Downs National Park and to the recently declared Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve.

Bordering National Trust farmland, the Heritage Coast and on two sides by the South Downs National Park, it contributes to the wide sweeping vista of the South Downs landscape. The field, which is just under 300 metres from a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been designated by Natural England as a Habitat Network Expansion Zone. The South Downs National Park Authority has included it as a Nature Friendly Action area; these areas are designed to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Lewes District Council have said it is likely home to protected species. It originally formed part of the early medieval Chyngton Farm, and for centuries Chyngton Field has lain undisturbed, nestling amongst the surrounding downland, providing grazing and forage for farm animals and wildlife alike. It ‘did its bit’ in World War 1 providing a temporary encampment for troops, many from the Commonwealth, on their way to the Western Front.

As you can see the field is important in the landscape and heritage of this corner of Seaford.

In recent years Seaford Head has become a magnet for tourists wishing to experience the iconic view of the Seven Sisters cliffs. To access this viewpoint visitors must pass beside the field which forms part of the gateway to the South Downs National Park.

Why is the field under threat?
The field, currently owned by a developer, has been put forward for development as part of the draft Lewes District Council's Local Plan. Despite objections from local people, Seaford Town Council, The National Trust and Friends of the South Downs, Lewes District Council is at present forging ahead to encourage development of the site for a major housing development.

The Lewes Local Plan, when finalised, will set out the vision and a framework for the future development of Lewes district and will be the starting point for determining local planning applications. Campaigners say it is therefore important that efforts are made to ensure that the field is removed from the draft Lewes local plan.

Local residents, past and present, have always valued and sought to protect the area of Seaford Head for future generations, and they are at a loss to understand why the local district council seems unable to understand the value of this area and why the council are seeking to encourage the building of a housing estate on the approach to this valuable area.

Everyone is appreciative of the need for affordable housing on suitable sites, but the opinion of local residents, along with that of the National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Seaford Town Council, is that this greenfield site is not appropriate.

There are two brownfield sites in Seaford that have sat derelict for over 10 years. It appears to be easier to allow development companies to build on greenfield sites, than to compel development on derelict brownfield sites.

Local residents have formed a group to protect this field. For further information email:  friendsofseafordhead@gmail.com

A petition has also been created at change.org HERE for people to sign if they are concerned about the destruction of this ecologically important field.